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Protesters typically congregate outside of the Congress Street location on Fridays. On Friday, there was no 39-foot buffer zone around the clinic.

The buffer zone was put in place by the council in November. The council repealed the measure on Monday following a decision from the Supreme Court that struck down a buffer zone at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Massachusetts. Councilors also said a current lawsuit in federal court against Portland's buffer zone swayed them to repeal it.

There were heated, yet civil, debates as pro-life and pro-choice protesters stood together on the sidewalk in front of the entrance to the Planned Parenthood Clinic.

"It's the only authority. It's the only way that we can," said Leslie Sneddon of Richmond.

"Well, that's what you believe," said Julia Kahrl of Arrowsic.

A contingent of Planned Parenthood supporters stayed a block away, as well. Some anti-abortion protesters also chose to remain across the street from the clinic to remain more visible.

"We need to help people that drive by and walk by recognize that murder is a sin against God and that we're all going to be standing in front of him as are those who murder their children," said Jeff Sneddon of Richmond.

Planned Parenthood officials said the 39-foot buffer zone was chosen to force people to stay off the public sidewalk that leads up to the clinic entrance. The Supreme Court Decision was a blow to the organization.

"The last thing we want is for our patients to have to walk through a gauntlet of protesters who make them feel harassed and intimidated," said Nicole Clegg with Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood hired a police detail for Friday. Advocates for reproductive rights said people should be free to walk into the clinic without being approached about the decision they are making about their own health.

"It puts a stress on all patients, not just the particular women that they're targeting," said Kahrl.

The Portland City Council said they plan to craft a new ordinance by this fall.